Hydralazine-Induced Lupus Presenting With Pancytopenia: A Case Report

Abstract

Hydralazine-induced lupus leading to pancytopenia is an uncommon presentation and can have systemic effects on the body. We present the case of a 73-year-old male with complaints of fever, night sweats, and non-intentional weight loss. Complete blood count pathology review showed pancytopenia with no blasts. Detailed infectious disease workup, including Coccidioidomycosis and tuberculosis, was negative. Rheumatological workup including rheumatic factor, anti-smith, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, and anti-ribonuclear proteins, was negative. Anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-histone antibodies were found to be positive. This led to the diagnosis of hydralazine-induced lupus. Hence, hydralazine was immediately discontinued which led to rapid improvement.